What are the adverse reactions of Tremelimumab?

Tremelimumab (Tremelimumab), as a CTLA-4 inhibitor, enhances anti-tumor immunity by activating T cells, and may also cause a variety of immune-related adverse reactions. Because its mechanism of action is mainly through the release of immunosuppression, patients may experience overactivity of their own immune systems during treatment, causing adverse reactions in different organ systems, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, endocrine and respiratory systems.

One of the most common adverse reactions is skin reactions such as rash, itching, and photosensitivity reactions, which can sometimes progress to severe skin toxicity. Gastrointestinal reactions are also the focus of clinical attention, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and colitis. In severe cases, they may lead to intestinal perforation, requiring timely intervention and drug discontinuation. Abnormal liver function is also an important risk, which may manifest as elevated transaminases or symptoms of hepatitis, and liver function indicators need to be monitored regularly. In terms of the endocrine system, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency, and abnormal glucose metabolism have also been reported, and hormone replacement or related drug treatment needs to be adjusted promptly through blood tests.

Regarding the respiratory system, temsitumumab may cause pneumonia or interstitial lung disease, especially in patients with underlying lung diseases. Adverse effects on the cardiovascular system are rare, but arrhythmias or blood pressure fluctuations may occur in some patients. It is worth noting that immune-related adverse reactions are delayed and may continue for weeks to months even after drug withdrawal, so long-term follow-up and management are required.

In order to reduce the risk, it is clinically recommended to conduct a comprehensive assessment before using temsitumumab, including past autoimmune history, liver and kidney function, and cardiopulmonary status. During treatment, laboratory tests and imaging evaluations are performed regularly to detect abnormalities early and take intervention measures, such as glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants, to alleviate severe reactions. For patients with serious adverse reactions, temsitumumab may need to be withheld or permanently discontinued.

Reference: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/tremelimumab.html